The level of ‘commitment, professionalism and above all knowledge and legal technique’ of Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C.‘s long-standing TMT practice is ‘world–class’. Over 20 years of activity in this field attest to the team’s in-depth knowledge of the industry, and make it the firm of choice for clients such as SpaceX/Starlink to advise the company on the legal route-map to become an internet service provider in Mexico. Founding partner Carlos Bello, who earns praise from both clients and peers for his expert knowledge on all areas of telecommunication, media and technology matters, and who -more recently- has been increasingly active in relation to sports and entertainment law, including e-sports, heads-up the group. Other key lawyers dedicated to this practice include Hector Guzman, a recognised data protection specialist; Carlos Diaz, who leads the team’s M&A expertise regarding the TMT sector; along with Rolando Guevara (TMT, sports and entertainment), and the head of IP Jonathan Rangel. However, senior associates Bernardo Martínez and Valery Tapia moved in house at Honeywell and Airbnb in February 2021 and July 2022, respectively.

Federico Hernández Arroyo, an experienced partner with over 20 years directly involved in the telecommunications sector, including an early stage working with the former telecom regulator, helms the Mexican TMT practice at full-service firm Hogan Lovells. The group assists clients with the regulatory framework in Mexico applicable to all kind of telecommunications (fixed, satellite and mobile) and broadcasting services. It also shows prowess supporting clients across different sectors on compliance with Mexico's privacy regulation and other cybersecurity matters, and offers additional corporate, transactional, antitrust, and litigation assistance to its TMT client-roster with a sector-specific and commercial perspective. Senior associate Ana Paula Rumualdo, who heads the digital technologies practice, offers additional key expertise in emerging technologies, data protection, privacy and other data management issues.

Distinguishing itself due to its status as a TMT powerhouse, well-reputed boutique Ruíz Moreno y Asociados represents clients across a broad array of matters ranging from licensing, spectrum access and interconnection projects through to disputes and the deployment or acquisition of fibre optics networks. For some clients, the practice sits among the ‘leaders in the sector’, while others praise the group's ‘in-depth knowledge of telecommunications regulation’, which allows it to ‘offer alternatives that not just any firm or lawyer can offer’. Founding partner Ivan Ruiz brings to bear his extensive experience in the TMT domain, accumulated over the course of his career in positions such as public officer of the former Mexican Federal Telecommunications Commission,  general counsel for concessionaires and resellers of telecommunications services, and as a member of COFETEL’s Consultation Council. Senior associates Eli Manuel Ramírez, who covers areas including regulation, compliance, privacy, antitrust and commercial law in general; and Erika Estrever, a former counsel at Televisa, are additional names to note.

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.‘s powerful transactional DNA is also reflected in its TMT practice, which has an impressive track record in this sense, although the team also offers strong regulatory mandates capabilities; all of which translates into a more than capable practice in this sector, that acts for clients such as Amazon, AT&T, Audi, Avaya, Blackstone, DAZN, Equinix and Facebook. The practice is co-led by antitrust and competition expert Luis Gerardo García; senior partner Jean Michel Enríquez, who is a well known corporate/finance all-rounder; and Jorge Kargl, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, and regularly assists clients in the telecom, broadcasting, satellite, entertainment, automotive, e-commerce and OTT industries regarding Mexican law, regulations and authorisations. IP partner Begoña Cancino left the practice in July 2021.

Eduardo Gallastegui steers the practice at DLA Piper Mexico, which was notably reinforced in July 2021 with the arrival of counsel Gabriel Contreras Saldívar, who joined from the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones, the industry’s regulatory body; and then again in January 2022, when Antonio Cárdenas joined from White & Case S.C., bringing his expertise in TMT regulatory matters to the practice.

Full-service Mexican powerhouse, Galicia Abogados S.C., continues to gain momentum in the TMT sphere, thanks to is favourable track record assisting clients keep up to date with IFT regulatory developments and investigations, as well as guiding them on transactional matters. As regards the telecommunications segment, the practice is led by Carlos Chávez, who also handles media mandates; on the technology front, in turn, it is Ricardo García who coordinates the practice’s work regarding the fintech, regulatory, e-commerce, M&A, tax, private equity and health & life sciences areas. The pair can call on additional partner level support from Arturo Perdomo (particularly fintech matters) and Humberto Pérez Rocha (particularly tecnology and media); while at senior associate level, Irma Ross co-heads the IP & data privacy area of the firm. 

Gonzalez Calvillo offers expert advise in the TMT field, boasting deep knowledge and expertise across the telecom spectrum while delivering comprehensive analysis regarding all related regulatory aspects, and is renowned for its solid skills representing clients before administrative and jurisdictional bodies in litigation procedures. The practice, which garners praise for its ‘extensive experience in telecommunications regulation’, is led by Luis Mancera de Arrigunaga, who handles regulatory matters as well as specialising in administrative litigation, constitutional relief proceedings, telecoms disputes and contentious constitutional procedures. He works side-by-side with a strong second line of counsels comprised of Juan Carlos Peraza, a former director of regulation and litigation at Televisa; Lucia Fernández González; and the recently promoted Rafael Fuentes.

Counting prestigious names such as Telefonica and Eutelsat among its clients, Holland & Knight LLP houses a ‘very prepared, efficient and knowledgeable team in the telecommunications industry that provides accurate and professional advice’. A talented partner-duo made up of managing partner Luis Rubio, who excels in both contentious and regulatory mandates; and Octavio Lecona, a former official at the Mexican telecommunications regulator, co-head the department, which advises on transactions, disputes, antitrust and regulatory matters; and covers the full range of the TMT sector – including telecommunications, satellites, media, wireless services, quadruple play, e-commerce, and cloud services and communications. The firm's merger with Thompson & Knight LLP, completed in August 2021, has expanded it's foothold in the Mexican market, including in the TMT area.

The ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’ TMT practice at Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, SC is known for handling corporate and finance transactions in the telecoms and broadcasting sectors, as well as in the satellite industry, with ongoing clients such as Eutelsat (Satélites Mexicanos), who instructs the group regarding corporate, regulatory and transactional matters. Regulatory mandates such as securing authorisations from the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (Ifetel), are also part of the practice group’s offering. Julián Garza, who enjoys a solid reputation for his work in variety of corporate, financial and regulatory matters in the sector, and senior partner Michel Nader, co-lead the practice. Fellow partner Gunter Schwandt is also active in the sector, primarily as regards corporate and finance matters, but also on the regulatory front, such as his recent advice to Grupo Werthein on its acquisition of digital entertainment services company Vrio Operations from AT&T.

Santamarina y Steta‘s TMT practice’s good capabilities stem from the expertise of its skilled leading duo, composed of Jorge León-Orantes, whose practice focuses on M&A transactions, financing and TMT, and who is particularly experienced automotive, technological and entertainment sectors; and counsel Paola Morales, who specialises in telecommunications, media and technology, satellite-related matters, e-commerce, privacy & data protection. Regarding the latter two areas of work, Morales is well-versed in reviewing, negotiating and preparing terms and conditions for electronic commerce for national and international clients with operations in Mexico, including their e-commerce platforms and privacy notices. Of late, the group has been approached by Tesla on this matter. Since publication, Morales has been promoted to the partnership - effective as of 2023.

The six-strong practice at White & Case S.C. is led by Ismael Reyes Retana Tello, a recognised specialist in telecoms regulation and administrative litigation in Mexico. Reyes and his team have played an active role in a wide range of significant cases in the telecoms industry, regularly working for clients such as Telefonica or Grupo Televisa and leading on their litigious and regulatory mandates, including regulatory disputes. The group is also skilled at handling telecoms-related financings and transactions. Other key practitioners include skilled litigator Fernando García; and associate Yuriria Galicia. However, partner Antonio Cárdenas joined DLA Piper Mexico in January 2022.

Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa‘s telecoms team is made up of practitioners who are ‘well-versed, prepared to tackle any challenge, and overall great people to work with’. The group is led by Valentín Ibarra, whose practice is mainly concentrated on consulting and litigation on technology, fintech and tax matters, with particular specialization in the digital economy sector, be it for domestic or international clients. Recent highlights include analysis, advisory, implementation and legal registry of numerous technology companies in México, such as global search engines, digital platforms, entities that operate shared-economy business models, software and hardware companies, and telecom and media companies, among others. Ana Sofía Ríos and director Gloria Niembro are other names to note.

Dentons López Velarde houses a small but robust Mexican TMT practice, which has been particularly active, of late, with the launch and operation of technology businesses in the region, from specialised e-commerce and social media platforms to matters concerning crypto-currency regulations, virtual worlds and self-driving cars. Departmental head Sergio Legorreta, who joined from Baker Mckenzie in January 2020, is a regular advisor to internet, e-commerce, social media, peer to peer / sharing platforms, streaming platforms and major hardware and software companies. He also regularly advices telecommunication service providers, including mobile operators, satellite providers and large users of technology. Principal support comes from counsel Laura Estrada Rodríguez (IP; technology; media entertainment and sport; privacy and cybersecurity) and senior associate Ximena Calderón (IP and technology). Former managing associate Diego González left in February 2022 to become commercial counsel at TikTok.

Greenberg Traurig, S.C.‘s TMT practice represents clients from all subsectors on their different needs, including M&A, corporate, regulatory and government relations, as well as demonstrating prowess in transactional work, and advising on the regulatory aspects of TMT. Edgar Olvera Jiménez, who has an ‘exceptional knowledge of telecommunications’ and is regarded as an ‘outstanding lawyer and advisor’, heads the practice. A former Undersecretary of Communications for the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation, Olvera has over 20 years’ experience working on matters related to the telecoms sector, infrastructure projects, consumer protection, and administrative law. Associate Maribel Tovar is another name to note.